Joan Elizabeth Owens

"Joan Elizabeth Owens, 76, Baton Rouge, La., formerly of Sedalia, Mo., died Saturday, October 8, 2016, at the Crossing at Clarity Hospice, Baton Rouge. She was born Nov. 10, 1939, in Evanston, Ill., daughter of Joseph and Ruth Thompson Borovec. In 1964, she married Allen B. Odette. On June 1, 1991, she married Gene Arthur Owens, who died Dec. 18, 2000. Joan was known for her cookie baking, and baked countless thousands of cookies for Boy Scouts, her church, friends, family and others. She graduated with a master's degree in home economics from Northern Illinois University, where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. She taught home economics for many years, including Sedalia Middle School, and was a longtime member of First Christian Church, Sedalia, where she was an active member of Group 5. She served her church and community long and faithfully, crocheting layette sets and prayer shawls and managing the church's prayer chain for many years. Joan loved Scouting and Scouts alike and was a Vigil Honor member of Order of the Arrow. She received her Silver Beaver and District Award of Merit, two of the highest awards that can be earned by adult Boy Scout volunteers. Joan is survived by her sons, Michael Odette, Columbia, Mo.; and Robert and Melanie Odette, Homestead, Fla., her daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Brian Suberbielle, Baton Rouge; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Jeanne Borovec, Champaign, Ill.; and grandchildren Harrison, Elizabeth, Jack, Chloe, and Sophia Odette. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2016, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home North Chapel, 825 Government Street, Baton Rouge. A memorial also will be held later at the Chapel and Gene Owens Nature Trail at Camp Hohn, Gravois Mills, Mo.